Barts Best of: the nicest/most beautiful/finest places to sleep in Cape Town & surroundings!
Cape Town = vacation with a capital V. From the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap to the endless views in Hout Bay: you don't want to be alone here, you want to stay here. And in style, please. Luckily, Cape Town and its surroundings are bursting with great places to stay - whether you're looking for luxury by the sea, charming in the city or a quiet cottage in the countryside. These are our favorites.
Well, favorites... We'll save those for the (really) fun e-books we wrote about them: Cool Cape Town City and Cool Cape Town Surroundings. You can shop them here.
First things first! Rent a car When around Cape Town. DiscoverCars.com is honest and reliable
In the middle of green Hout Bay – just outside Cape Town, but far enough to truly relax – lies Beautiful Bay. A bed & breakfast in an old farmhouse, transformed into a warm, stylish place where you immediately want to stay. The Belgian Valerie fell in love with the peace, the view and the location: the perfect mix of nature and proximity to the beach, city and fine restaurants.
There are five handsome cottage, and from the veranda you can dive straight into the pool. Breakfast? Homemade and lovingly prepared – including freshly baked bread. MooiBaai is quiet, personal and completely contemporary. Whether you come for a romantic weekend or a few days combining Cape Town + beach, you are in the right place here. Kids-proof and suitable for couples who just want to escape.
A Camps Bay villa that feels like a secret hideaway, that is River42. You're within walking distance of the hidden gem of Bakoven Beach and fine restaurants, but once inside it's like putting the world on hold.
A small river (yes, really) flows through the garden and under the house, designed in the style of architect Piet Oudolf, and everything has been meticulously cared for. With a swimming pool, a wonderfully spacious open-plan kitchen (including a wine refrigerator), and a huge dining table for gatherings. With that killer Ocean views and box-spring beds for eight. Perfect for a group of friends or family who appreciate peace, luxury, and design. You'll find cozy spots everywhere: on the sun deck, by the pool, or in the garden, ideal for a good book and a glass of wine (or two). And don't forget: the braai (BBQ) for a real South African meal.
You really don't want to leave here. A place where you'd like to stay for a month - and you can, with superfast internet, nice workplaces (hello remote work) and the luxury of your own washer and dryer. It has everything you could possibly want, and actually much more than that.
Anyone who likes a hotel to be a bit 'out there' is in the best possible way, wants to Gorgeous George. This boutique in the heart of Cape Town combines Art Deco, industrial design and African flair as if it were the most normal thing in the world. And that is what it is here. Everything is right. Every corner of the hotel is Instagram-worthy, without losing its warmth.
You sleep in rooms with designer furniture, rattan chairs, prints and plants, and on top of the roof there is a roof terrace with a bar and (mini) swimming pool where the city lies at your feet. Didn't book a room? Then still go to the restaurant or the bar, because it is at least as nice. Bo-Kaap and all highlights are within walking distance, so you are centrally located here.
A little Retreat, a little bit design hotel, and above all a dream place. Starhead is located in the wine region near Franschhoek and was built from the ground up by a Dutch couple who have chosen everything – from flowers to beds – with love and taste. Think big soft beds, warm tones, art on the walls, flowers on the table and food that ends up on your plate straight from the garden.
There is a a hammam for deep relaxation, yoga for those who want it, massages to dream away with and enough nice corners to lose yourself in for hours. Detox allowed, drinking wine too (we say: balance). Staying at least two nights is mandatory, but believe us: you won't want to leave.
Another top one in Franschhoek. This Western Cape village, located about 75 km from Cape Town, is one of the oldest in the country. It's all about vineyards, top restaurants, and the unique experience of waking up (or getting married) at this luxurious wine paradise. La Roche Estate, a golden tip.
La Roche Estate spans 4,36 hectares of vineyards and is both a working farm and a luxury destination for weddings, events, stays, and exclusive wine or picnic experiences. With panoramic views of the gardens, vineyards, and surrounding mountains, it's easy to see why it's such a wonderful place.
This is one of those places that you don't understand why you didn't know about before. In AWE Stays is located in the creative heart of Cape Town, but as soon as you enter, it feels like you've stepped into a secret garden. Literally. A giant green oasis full of fragrant herbs, flowers, a vegetable garden and a wood-fired pizza oven. There's a swimming pool, a long table for dinners with views of Table Mountain and a number of gazebos scattered around the grounds.
The main house has three beautiful bedrooms, perfect for families or groups of friends, but also if you are a romantic cabin books, it's party time here. Host Robert makes pizzas, braais like only South Africans can and makes sure you don't miss anything. Cozy, warm, kid proof and a dream for anyone who wants to combine a bit of city and a lot of peace and quiet.
Looking for a place where you off the grid can go without compromising on style? Set Spioenkop Wines but on your list. This winery is located in the green Elgin Valley, less than an hour's drive from Cape Town – perfect as a stopover on the way to the Garden RouteBelgian winemaker Koen makes elegant wines here cool climate wines (think: Riesling, Pinotage, Chenin), and trust us: you'll want to taste them.
Staying overnight? Do it. The guesthouse is a Pinterest dream full of earthy tones, terracotta walls and soft fabrics. Everything is right. Views of the mountains, a terrace in the sun and a glass of wine within reach - this is what you want. Nearby you can walk in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, have lunch at Bloem (the latest from chef Bertus Basson), or just hang out all afternoon at the tasting room from Spioenkop himself. Cheers!
Sea view from bed? check. Chance of spotting whales from your balcony? Double check. The Marine in Hermanus is one of those hotels that you won't soon forget. Situated right on the cliff path, overlooking Walker Bay, you'll stay in an elegant five-star hotel where everything is just right. The rooms are chic, the spa is relaxing and the restaurant – Pavilion – is to die for.
You can go hiking in the area, mountain biking or just lie on the beach. But let's be honest: we like it here so much that we secretly prefer to stay in the hotel. Tip: Ask for a room with a sea view – you might just spot dolphins and whales while still in your bathrobe.
Sleeping? Check. Tanning, chilling or surfing is what you do here!
And… heading to the beach? You don’t want to miss these: The best (surfing) beaches around Cape Town. Here you will find the most beautiful ones and at some you can also surf. If that is your thing. Of course you can also watch.
Together with REEF we put together this list for you. REEF is not just a brand – it is surf culture in shoe and flip-flop form. Sponsor of pro surfers for years and deeply rooted in the surf scene from day one. And let's be honest: what is a relaxing day at the beach without a good pair of flip-flops? Well, you have to decide for yourself.. or take a look here.
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